How to Fix Embedded Font Extraction Error in Adobe Acrobat
Question details
Users are unable to view PDFs generated by MadCap Flare because Adobe Acrobat DC throws an embedded-font extraction error after a specific version update.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat DC
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Opening a PDF file that contains custom embedded fonts created through MadCap Flare.
- Observed behavior
- Adobe Acrobat and Reader display an error message regarding embedded font extraction and fail to render the text properly, even though the same PDF opens perfectly in web browsers and other PDF readers.
Verify your current Adobe Acrobat DC version and ensure you have a backup of the original document or source project file before attempting to modify or strip embedded fonts.
Update Adobe Acrobat to the Latest Build
Since this error is tied to a specific Adobe build (2019.012.20036), installing a newer update or official hotfix typically resolves the font parsing bug.
Software updates often contain patches for rendering engine bugs. Adobe regularly releases hotfixes to address specific font compatibility issues.
Launch Adobe Acrobat DC or Adobe Reader on your computer.
Navigate to the 'Help' menu at the top of the application window and click on 'Check for Updates'.
Follow the on-screen prompts to download and install any newer versions or hotfixes, then restart Acrobat and attempt to open the PDF again.
Replace Problematic Fonts in the Source File
If you cannot update Acrobat immediately, changing the embedded fonts in the source application (like MadCap Flare) can bypass the rendering issue.
Use an Alternative PDF Viewer
As a temporary workaround to maintain productivity, open the affected PDFs in another viewer that does not share this specific Adobe rendering bug.
Open and Edit PDFs Seamlessly with WPS Office
Bypass Adobe Acrobat embedded font extraction errors. WPS Office features a highly compatible PDF reader and editor that effortlessly handles files generated by MadCap Flare and other tools.
- 1. Download the Software: Download and install WPS Office Free from the official website.
- 2. Launch WPS PDF: Open WPS Office and select the 'PDF' tab to access the dedicated PDF workspace.
- 3. Open the Document: Click 'Open' and select your MadCap Flare generated PDF to view and edit it without any font extraction errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the embedded font extraction error only occur in Adobe Acrobat?
This specific error is caused by a rendering bug introduced in the Acrobat DC update version 2019.012.20036. It struggles to parse certain custom fonts embedded by third-party generators like MadCap Flare, whereas web browsers and other viewers use entirely different rendering engines.
Can I still print the PDF if it shows a font extraction error?
Usually, if Acrobat cannot extract the embedded font, the text will display as dots, blanks, or unreadable characters, which means it will also print incorrectly. You should view and print the file using an alternative PDF reader.
How can I check my current Adobe Acrobat version?
Open Adobe Acrobat, click on 'Help' in the top menu bar, and select 'About Adobe Acrobat'. A dialog box will appear displaying your current release version and build number.
Are my MadCap Flare PDFs corrupted?
No, the PDFs are generally fully intact and not corrupted. The issue lies entirely with how that specific version of Adobe Acrobat reads the font data, which is why the files open normally in other software.
